Bush rejects accusations of racism over Katrina

reuters ^ | Wed Nov 3, 2010 | Steve Holland

[JoeProBono]

Former President George W. Bush says criticism from some, including prominent rapper Kanye West, that his handling of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina showed he did not care about black people represented "an all-time low."

In his memoir, "Decision Points," to be released next Tuesday, Bush writes that charges flung at him that he was a racist during the Katrina crisis "was the worst moment of my presidency."

In excerpts of an interview of Bush by NBC's "Today" show, the former president was asked about West's comment that "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The accusation arose because many blacks were affected by the hurricane that ravaged Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, and Bush came under sharp criticism for his handling of the calamity.

Bush, whose Today show interview is to be aired next Monday, said West's charge was tantamount to being called a racist. "And I didn't appreciate it then. I don't appreciate it now.......

[Old Grumpy]

This moron is such a loser that even Hussein called him a jackass. That name fits him well.

[Servant of the Cross]

[wtc911]

One would think, but there is something deeply unsettling about being falsely accused, especially when the accusation is ao ugly and untrue.

btw...how you been?

[ANGGAPO]

The man is a moron to think that George Bush is a racist. He would be the last person in this country that would be. Sounds as if dimbulb is looking for a few Democrat perks.

[LightningStriker2010]

Awkward moment, but not worst. I don’t see how the Kanye moment was his worst or even a problem at all. One statement from one idiot who cannot back up the statement is no problem in my book.

[Roccus]

(Still breathing, so I'm playing with house money.)

One would think, but there is something deeply unsettling about being falsely accused, especially when the accusation is ao ugly and untrue.

Sticks and stones...besides, why give any thought to what some 2 bit, inarticulate, loony wannabe thug says?

[Niuhuru]

Sorry, they choose skin color and the best offer in regards to be a benefits package.

[LightningStriker2010]

I disagree. Kanye was/is not important enough to respond to. Mistake to dignify him with a response.

[LasVegasMac]

Rear sight relocated? lol. I've got a pic of that somewhere.

Your post 28, who is the smuck on the right?

Looks like Tiger Woods after a botox collapse.

[flowerplough]

accusation arose because many ill-prepared, ignorant, lazy, government-dependent, unthinking, uncaring, welfare-careerist blacks were affected by the hurricane that ravaged Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states,

[Roccus]

Awkward moment, but not worst.

Having just been informed that the nation is under attack is an "awkward moment"? I must be on the wrong forum.

[LightningStriker2010]

Ah! I think that I may have been on another page. Bush was criticized for his immediate reaction which seemed to be one of confusion. I was thinking of the reaction as being awkward, not the actual news itself. Now that you mention it, I guess the person I responded to was speaking of receiving such bad news as the worst moment, which I can agree with.